On May 24, our Class of 2019 will receive their diplomas. To many of their parents, it seems like only yesterday they were bringing their child to Kindergarten Round-Up. The reality is that within a blink of an eye they will be seniors in high school and soon after in college.

Our Senior Spotlight and Ready to Make Their Mark series of alumni profiles is intended to showcase the success of our graduates. We take pride in having partnered with them and their parents so that they may fully realize the potential given to each of them by God.

Today we look at Claire Girardot who attended Benet Academy and will receive her BA degree in Economics from the University of Notre Dame over the May 17-19 weekend.

 

Why did you enter this field?

• I've always really liked Math, but I was also excited by the opportunities a Liberal Arts education would give me. Economics is a perfect combination of the two.
• I also think Economics is applicable to many industries and fields, which allows me to go in many different directions.

Favorite college experiences?

• I attended every home football game and even went to the Cotton Bowl this year when Notre Dame faced Clemson.

Involved in any clubs, groups, service organizations?  

• I was involved with a club called She's the First which is an organization that fights gender inequality through education. We sponsored a few girls in Nepal, sending money and resources so that they would be able to receive an education.
• I was also involved with ND's Student Union Board which organizes and provides the student body with various social and cultural events/opportunities on campus. 

Biggest college adjustment which helped you grow as a person?  

• It was an adjustment having to time manage between school, social life, sleep, and various activities like doing laundry, cooking, cleaning, etc.
• Studying abroad in London in my junior year.
• Living off campus my senior year 

Is Graduate school in your future?  

• Maybe eventually, but as of right now I have no immediate plans for grad school. 

Did you serve an internship? If so, with who and what did you gain from the experience?  

• I had an internship with the Cook County Sheriff's Office at the Cook County Jail doing public policy research on the opioid epidemic, how that overlaps with recidivism, and whether current jail programs are helping combat the epidemic in any way. This experience taught me a lot of analytical skills and to never judge people before you really know them.
• I also had an internship with Ernst and Young. This experience taught me organizational skills and how to be a more efficient worker. 

What do you have to offer an employer that would separate you from other candidates?

• I think my economics education and internship experiences have given me great analytical skills and the ability to think outside the box.
• My Liberal Arts education has taught me how to be a better critical thinker and how to communicate effectively. 

Is there a job opportunity on the horizon?         

• After graduation I will be working in Chicago for Ernst and Young as a Tax Transfer Pricing Staff.
• I'll be living at home until I save up some money to move down.

Other than either of your parents, who served as a role model for you and why? 

• My older sister, Grace, served as a role model for me. She showed me the importance of following my passions and doing what excites me!